Scottish soccer fans: Jerusalem is Palestine

Fans of Celtic Football Club raise banners against Israel and U.S. President following his recognition of Jerusalem.

Neri Weiss, 11/12/17 03:38

Soccer (illustration)

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Fans of the Glasgow-based Celtic Football Club on Sunday raised banners against Israel and U.S. President Donald Trump, following his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, Middle East Monitor reports.

The incident took place during a match at Edinburgh’s Easter Road stadium against Hibernian. Celtic supporters showed their displeasure with Trump’s announcement by raising a pair of banners which read, “Jerusalem is Palestine. F*** Trump.”

Both teams have an Israeli player among their ranks: Defensive midfielder Nir Bitton plays for Celtic, while goalkeeper Ofir Marciano plays for Hibernian.

The Union of European Football (UEFA) later launched disciplinary proceedings against Celtic, fining the club £82,000. In response, the fans decided to raise an amount equal to the fine for “Palestinian refugees”, according to Middle East Monitor.

Also in 2016, PLO flags were seen during a soccer match in France between Israeli Beitar Jerusalem and Saint-Étienne.